Rapid charging points

Shaun Bailey: The agenda for the June TfL Board meeting states that ‘Good progress continued in building rapid charging points for electric vehicles across London, with 232 rapid charging points now in place.’ Please provide a borough-by-borough breakdown of where these are and where the other points will be installed this year in order to reach the target of 300 by December 2020.

The Mayor: By the end of March 2020, 249 rapid charging points had been delivered by Transport for London (TfL). The attached spreadsheet shows the breakdown by borough. The project was then paused as part of TfL’s broader ‘Safe Stop’ of construction projects in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The project remobilised in June and construction works re-started in July in line with Government and Public Health England Guidelines.
Despite this pause in delivery, TfL is still aiming to deliver 300 rapid charging points by December 2020. TfL is currently pursuing a wide pool of sites with the locations of the new charge points dependent on borough approvals and design permissions. This pool of sites mainly consists of support for delivery on borough roads, including in Westminster, Islington, Hammersmith & Fulham, Camden and Croydon.
TfL is also continuing to work on two new rapid charging hub sites in addition to the site already operating in Stratford. TfL plans to open the hub site in the City of London later this year (dependent on the City of London delivering of ventilation works), and a site in Greenwich by spring 2021.
Please see Mayor’s Question 2019/14492

Dedicated charging points for electric taxis

Caroline Pidgeon: In answer to question 2019/20160 you stated “TfL is currently looking at the process of utilising CCTV enforcement for EV bays.” Please provide an update.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) investigated the possibility of using CCTV enforcement for electric vehicle (EV) bays but determined that enforcement is not possible using the cameras currently in position on the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN).
Police Community Support Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, which is jointly funded by TfL, and TfL’s operational officers are currently best equipped to enforce EV bays. They do this as part of their regular deployments enforcing red route parking contraventions on the TLRN.

Trees along Park Lane Cycle lane

Murad Qureshi: Congratulations on building the cycle lane along Park lane but would it be possible to add some trees between the new bus stops to improve the environment? I am sure your environment programmes could work with those behind the cycle lanes to accomplish this.

The Mayor: Last year, Transport for London (TfL) planted 1,274 new street trees.
While its focus is to plant trees in areas with limited tree canopy, TfL will consider this location in its next round of annual seasonal tree planting, which will take place in the autumn.

Andrew Adonis (2)

Tony Devenish: Do you agree with Andrew Adonis that "all tube stations should be reopened and a military-style operation conducted with major employers to agree and advertise staggered opening and closing times to reduce peaks and make the return of mass transport compatible with maximum numbers on each bus and train"?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been carefully planning for a return to the network for many weeks now. It is now running near-normal levels of services, but the need to maintain social distancing wherever possible means it continues to ask its customers to travel outside the busier times. It is working to make travelling more comfortable for everyone by providing information to customers about when the quieter times are for their journeys, spreading demand outside pre-pandemic peak hours and distributing it more evenly across the day. Twenty-five of the London Underground stations closed at the start of the lockdown restrictions have now reopened. TfL aims to reopen the remaining stations during August.
TfL has also provided information to businesses to help them get their employees back to work safely. This includes highlighting the busiest times on the network and asking businesses to avoid these times, and offering alternatives to public transport highlighting the Streetscape scheme. You can find the business briefing on TfL’s website: http://content.tfl.gov.uk/briefing-for-businesses-coronavirus.pdf

Electric charging points

Caroline Pidgeon: Further to question 2020/0933 has there been any progress in TfL assessing whether the 43 charging points that have been installed for charging electric buses at the Waterloo bus garage on Cornwall Road could be used for taxis as well?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has looked into this matter further and has advised that the charging points at Waterloo bus garage are currently fully utilised for single-deck buses on some of London busiest commuter routes. This is also a relatively small private site controlled by the operator Go Ahead Group rather than TfL, and is only accessible to its staff and therefore this proposal is not being progressed. I understand your office has been updated accordingly and TfL remains happy to explore other options with you.

Coordination of low traffic neighbourhoods

Caroline Russell: Constituents have raised concerns with me that low traffic neighbourhoods are not being coordinated well between boroughs. Could Transport for London (TfL) provide more coordination to help boroughs devise plans that work across borough boundaries?

The Mayor: In coordination with London boroughs, Transport for London (TfL) is currently working to map all the various low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) being delivered across the city. This information, overlaid onto the recently produced TfL Strategic Neighbourhood Analysis map, will not only help TfL provide better coordination for the delivery of LTNs but also specifically identify where LTNs straddle borough boundaries. TfL is working with London boroughs to monitor the schemes to make sure they don’t have an undue negative impact.

Unite the Union’s suspension of Arriva’s BAME Representatives

Keith Prince: Are you aware that at the peak of the pandemic in April, 13 of 14 of Arriva London’s local Unite reps wrote a letter to Unite’s General Secretary, cc’d to the Assistant General Secretary and Regional Secretary, voicing no confidence in Unite’s Regional First Officer for Buses and that although 5 reps withdrew their vote, 1 resigned from the Union and 7 — all of whom happen to be BAME — have been suspended?

The Mayor: These are internal matters for Unite the Union to deal with as they consider appropriate, and not for TfL or me to comment on. I am pleased however that Unite continues to work constructively with TfL in representing its members who do such a fantastic job keeping London moving, and as a proud trade unionist I value their contribution.

The Coronavirus Crisis

Peter Whittle: I note the report in the Daily Mail on 29 April 2020 which stated: ‘Chaos over coronavirus face mask plans as London mayor Sadiq Khan warns he may 'unilaterally' take action to tell people to wear them in the capital.’ ‘Mr Khan warned that he may pre-empt any change in the capital, telling ITV News: 'If it's the case that despite all our lobbying and the emerging scientific evidence the government doesn't change its guidance, I may well decide unilaterally to instruct Londoners to do that.'1On what basis have you decided that your will overrides the writ of the UK government?

[1] https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8268635/Chaos-coronavirus-mask-plans-London-mayor-Sadiq-Khan-warns-unilaterally-action.html

The Mayor: I have a duty as the Mayor of London to lobby and express my concerns to the Government. In early April, I saw what was happening around the world and from speaking to colleagues, it was clear that the Government needed to change its guidance on non-medical facial coverings. The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson finally agreed to change the advice in relation to the wearing of non-medical facial coverings where you cannot keep your social distance, public transport and shops being two examples. The Government then extended this on 8th August to include cinemas, galleries, museums and places of worship.
When there is a crisis, what is important is to provide clarity. What I want is a consensus around this issue. I have been speaking to colleagues in Scotland, Wales and across the country, and I will continue to try to lobby the Government when I feel it is right to do so. We have been successful on other issues and I have been successful here.

Responsible procurement themes, outcomes and measures

Onkar Sahota: Did the trial of the Responsible Procurement Themes, Outcomes and Measures referred to in your response to question 2020/1405 begin as scheduled on 1 April?

The Mayor: The Responsible Procurement team is currently trialing the London-specific ‘Themes, Measures and Outcomes’ (TOMs) on a number of key contracts. This pilot is in the process of being extended to include procurements from each of the Functional Bodies, and we are on track for a GLA Group roll out from 1 April 2021 (please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1405). We are also testing alternative methods of Social Value measurements, for example through remote beneficiary interviews.

Diesel trains in Gospel Oak

Andrew Dismore: Residents inform me that diesel powered freight trains at night run on the Overground Line around Gospel Oak, which causes pollution and extremely disturbing noise. Can TfL take action to prevent these diesel engines being used, and what options are feasible, such as overhead electrification, that might end the necessity of freight trains on the line here at night?

The Mayor: These trains are operated by freight rail operating companies rather than by Transport for London (TfL). Earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) published its ‘Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge’ paper, which outlined how it will develop a plan to deliver its target of net zero emissions across all transport modes by 2050. A cross-industry Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy is being prepared by Network Rail and will consider where overhead electrification, battery or hydrogen power could be used.
TfL continues to work with the rail freight industry and is a member of Network Rail’s London Rail Freight Strategy working group. TfL has pressed for the greater use of electric freight locomotives instead of diesel.

Cycle Training

Alison Moore: Those new to cycling should consider cycle training. It will give them confidence to cycle and properly position themselves on the road so they are as safe as they can be. Cycle training can be free from local councils. Training ceased during lockdown. Will the Mayor commit to enabling everyone who wants cycle training to be able to get it locally at reasonable cost when it is safe to do so?

The Mayor: Cycle training is going to play an important role in enabling Londoners of all ages to start or return to cycling.
To ensure as many Londoners as possible are equipped with the basic skills needed to cycle safely in London, I launched a new online Cycle Skills course on 23 July. The course follows Bikeability National Standards and is tailored to cycling in London. There are four modules to cater for cyclists of all abilities, from new cyclists to those who want to brush up on their skills or cycle with children. The course is available on the Transport for London (TfL) website.
TfL has also secured £2m from the Department for Transport for cycle training in London, to be delivered via the London boroughs. Each borough will be allocated £60,000 to deliver socially distanced Bikeability and Cycle Skills training from August onwards, once delivery targets have been agreed.

Lea Bridge- Dalston Cycleway (2)

Jennette Arnold: With statistics showing that fewer women than men regularly cycle and fewer BAME people are regular cyclists, does the cycleway’s expansion have relevance only to a cohort? According to TfL, 13% of women sometimes use a bike to get around London with the remaining 87% never cycling as a mode of transport around London. The percentage of men who sometimes cycle to get around London is higher at 27%. White Londoners are more likely to cycle than those from ethnic minority groups. 23% of white Londoners cycle at least sometimes compared to 13% of BAME Londoners.

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) publishes data on the demographics of travel in the Travel in London Report, available at http://content.tfl.gov.uk/travel-in-london-report-12.pdf.
Investing in cycling infrastructure unlocks the potential for many more men and women of all backgrounds to cycle more often. This is essential to address the inactivity crisis, and to reduce pressure on the public transport and road networks. I set key targets in my Mayor’s Transport Strategy, including to ensure all Londoners to do at least 20 minutes of active travel each day by 2041. Therefore, it is important that we continue to provide new and improved facilities, to enable and encourage all Londoners to cycle and walk on a more regular basis.
In addition to building new infrastructure, other initiatives are aimed at increasing cycling and walking amongst underrepresented groups, including the Walking and Cycling Grants London programme. This scheme was created to target under-represented communities in cycling and walking, including BAME groups and low-income families. In 2019/20 TfL distributed over £400,000 in grant funding to 113 groups, reaching 14,300 participants; including groups such as the Hornbeam Joyriders Women’s Cycle Club in nearby Walthamstow, which runs group cycling sessions for Muslim women and stay-at-home mums.
Please see response to Mayor's Question 2020/1894 which cites figures for usage of cycles on TfL cycle routes by BAME women.

Silvertown Road Tunnel continuation in light of the coronavirus crisis

Siân Berry: In light of the coronavirus crisis leading to changes in travel patterns in London, and the increased need to diversify Transport for London (TfL) income by taking steps to plan for London-wide smart, fair privacy-friendly road charging, will you now consider cancelling the Silvertown Road Tunnel project, and if not why not?

The Mayor: The Silvertown Tunnel is vital to addressing the longstanding issues of congestion, poor reliability and a lack of resilience at the Blackwall Tunnel. Importantly, the scheme includes new cross-river public transport opportunities, flexible user charging powers for the Silvertown and Blackwall Tunnels and comprehensive monitoring and mitigation commitments. This will ensure TfL is able to manage traffic and its environmental effects for the long term, accommodate changing travel patterns, and respond to a changing context. I am bringing forward a number of measures to address emissions at source, such as the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone, and TfL has strong plans in place to ensure the implementation of the Silvertown Tunnel supports our objectives on air quality, ensuring there is no net increase in pollution as a result of the scheme.
I note that congestion has continued at Blackwall Tunnel throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and traffic levels through the tunnel have returned to pre-pandemic levels. The coronavirus crisis has not removed the need to address these problems or invest in new river crossings in east London.

Response to the pandemic

Gareth Bacon: How do you plan to assess the effectiveness and success of both the London Transition Board and London Recovery Board, both of which you co-chair?

The Mayor: The London Transition Board will provide strategic direction across London for the next phase of the COVID-19 response and restart, focusing on the key system-wide issues which London faces over the coming months. As a coordinating body, it will oversee and monitor the work of London’s agencies as they use their own powers to continue the front-line response to the pandemic and its aftermath.
The overall aim of London Recovery Board is to restore confidence in the city, minimize the impact on London’s most vulnerable communities and rebuild the city’s economy and society. The Recovery Board has agreed to seekthe followingoutcomes that: reverse the pattern of rising unemployment and lost economic growth; support our communities; keep young people safe; narrow social, economic, health inequalities; and deliver a cleaner, greener London.
To assess the effectiveness of thisprogramme, the GLA willcreateand maintain a cross-cutting data monitoring siteon the London Datastoreto bring together relevant data, research and evaluation. These data will beupdated regularly andused to monitor progress of newpolicies and projects, andevaluate success in achieving outcomes through a set of performance measuresto beagreedby theRecovery Board.

Travel Concessions for Key Workers aged 60 and Above.

Jennette Arnold: Key workers aged 60+ will shortly lose the transport concession. Are you aware of the impact this could have on key workers such as Nurses, Health Care Assistants, Classroom Assistants and others? What are you doing to support these key workers against the financial impact of the changes to the 60+ Freedom Pass?

The Mayor: I appreciate there are some workers, including key workers, who are impacted by these temporary changes to 60+ London Oyster travel times. Let me assure you that this decision was not taken lightly. I was required by the Government to bring forward proposals to restrict free travel during peak times for older people in London, as part of the emergency funding agreement that allowed Transport for London (TfL) to continue to operate. Had an agreement not been reached, it would have meant TfL winding down its Tube and bus services at exactly the time they needed to be ramped up. This was not the deal I wanted for London, but it was the only one that Government put on the table.
I understand the concerns that have been raised about the impact of this decision on key workers. I have sought to mitigate the impact as much as I can. You should know that my team worked to limit these changes to the early morning hours and was able to persuade Government to accept a 9am cut off rather than 9.30, even though Government wanted to align the changes with elsewhere in the country. I felt it was important that older Londoners could still travel for free in the evening peak and I am pleased the Government accepted that. I know this may be of little consolation, but those affected will only be paying for one journey a day rather than two.
There are other actions I have taken to mitigate the impact of this decision. To support NHS workers, TfL has extended the temporary Congestion Charge NHS reimbursement scheme so that NHS staff who work in the Congestion Charge zone will be reimbursed for journeys relating to coronavirus, including for their journeys to and from work. TfL is also offering a redemption code that waives the 24-hour access fee for Santander Cycles and continues to offer free parking in its car parks for NHS staff.
TfL continues to work with the Government regarding how long restrictions are needed and when these restrictions can be lifted.

Transport Workers and Covid-19

Keith Prince: Please provide me with a list of all Transport Workers who have died from Covid-19 in 2020. This list should include: 1) sex and, if known, ethnicity, 2) date of reported death 3) name of TfL Contractor or TfL Division for whom victim worked 4) place of work (e.g. Train Station, Bus Depot, Taxi, PHV) 5) TfL Executive responsible for transport mode in which victim worked (e.g. MD Buses, LUL, Taxi and Private Hire, etc).

The Mayor: Sadly, as of the 8 July, a total of 44 colleagues from Transport for London (TfL) and its partner organisations, had passed away in service due to coronavirus related illness. Every death in service is taken very seriously by TfL. It has put in place a range of additional support for families and colleagues where there has been a bereavement.
TfL is unable to provide a line by line account of each death in service due to data protection and out of respect for the privacy of the families of the deceased. A summary of the information requested has been provided in the tables below:
All those who passed away in service were male. The dates of death and the dates when these were reported vary and TfL does not have visibility over individual death certificates.
Ethnicity
Total
Asian/British Asian
12
White/White Other
8
Black/Black African/Black Caribbean/Black British
19
TBC
5
44
Business Area
Total
Tube and Rail
4
Head Office
2
Buses
Metroline
Go Ahead
Tower Transit
Abellio
Arriva
RATP
HCT
Stagecoach
Cordant
TfL (Dial a Ride)
34
12
7
5
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
Partner Organisation
Interserve
Cleshar
ABM
2
1
1
44
TfL has also appointed independent researchers to review the actions undertaken to protect transport workers and to understand the pattern of infection with and deaths from coronavirus, in order to inform recommendations on any additional occupational health measures that should be put in place to protect this key-worker population. The itial findings have been published and can be found:
http://content.tfl.gov.uk/initial-assessment-of-london-bus-driver-mortality-from-covid-19.pdf.
TfL are also unable to report on the number of Taxi or Private Hire Drivers who have died in service as they do not have access to this information.

Furloughing Scheme

Andrew Dismore: The Government is indicating that it intends on ending the furloughing scheme, have you made representations to the Government asking them not to do this?

The Mayor: I have been vocal on this issue as I am deeply concerned that it is far too early for a drop off in Government support which is critical to protecting jobs. I have real concerns that if the job retention scheme is not extended there will be a surge in unemployment, particularly in those sectors hardest hit by Covid-19 and unable to trade at full capacity, such as hospitality and the creative industries.
I have made a number of formal representations to urge the Government to extend the furlough scheme, including to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak and Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden. My officers and I will continue to raise this vital issue whenever the opportunity presents itself, including with Government representatives.

TfL Staff Costs

Susan Hall: Please provide weekly staff cost figures at TfL for each week from 1 March 2020 to the 14 June 2020. Top-line costs are acceptable – no need to provide a further breakdown.

The Mayor: The table below shows weekly staff costs for Transport for London. It does not include the contribution from the Government’s furlough scheme.
Week ending
£m
07/03/2020
26
14/03/2020
26
21/03/2020
27
28/03/2020
27
04/04/2020
27
11/04/2020
27
18/04/2020
26
25/04/2020
26
02/05/2020
26
09/05/2020
26
16/05/2020
26
23/05/2020
26
30/05/2020
26
06/06/2020
26
13/06/2020
26
20/06/2020
26

Diesel consumption at TfL

Murad Qureshi: How much diesel is TfL consuming annually to keep London moving? Could you please give me the figures for the past 5 years.

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) diesel consumption (encompassing the entirety of its operations and services) for the previous five years for which it has complete data is as follows:
Reductions in diesel consumption have been achieved through the improved efficiency of vehicles. For instance, 95% of buses are now Euro VI standard and TfL has over 300 electric buses.
Newer cleaner vehicles also produce less harmful pollution. Almost 95 per cent of TfL’s bus fleet now meet the ultra-low Euro VI or better standard. Every retrofitted Euro VI bus helps to cut the most harmful tailpipe emissions from those vehicles by up to 85 per cent.

Communication with national Government

Siân Berry: On your regular LBC phone-in on 12 June 2020, you said you are no longer attending COBR meetings and were learning what was going on from Government press conferences. Now that these have ceased, how do you hear about changes in policy and guidance from national Government?

The Mayor: It is clear that the Government’s communication of changes to policy and guidance around Covid-19 is insufficient and the lack of engagement with my office by the Prime Minister is especially disappointing. As Mayor of London, I am accountable to nine million Londoners and have a duty to represent their views and best interests, yet decisions continue to be taken without consultation with those who run and understand the capital.
Despite the lack of engagement with the Prime Ministers office, my officers and I do have regular engagement with Ministers and Government representatives where at least some of the latest developments relating to Covid-19 are discussed. This includes working closely with MHCLG through both the London Transition Board, which I co-chair with Robert Jenrick, and the Economic Recovery Working Group, chaired by Simon Clarke.

Electrical Vehicle Charging Points within Staff & Company Car Parks

Alison Moore: According to FOI-0975-1819 there were no Electrical Vehicle Charging Points for staff across TfL sites and just 31 Electrical Vehicle Charging Points for the support fleet. Can you provide an update on the figures and confirm what plans, if any, you have to install Electrical Vehicle Charging Points for staff use?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) currently has 36 electric vehicle charge points across seven sites for the use of its support fleet. TfL is working with the GLA and other GLA Group fleets to both electrify the fleet and provide charge points in line with demand, in order to meet the GLA Group fleet commitments as set out in my Transport Strategy.

Mayoral strategies

Shaun Bailey: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on London, are you intending to change any of your mayoral strategies? If so, which ones and how.

The Mayor: We will be living with the virus for many months and it will be a long time until all residual social distancing measures are lifted. This makes the boundary between response, and recovery activity more blurred than it is traditionally after major incidents. What I have done is set up two Boards to oversee theTransitionandRecoverywork respectively.
Weareplacingengagement, involvement and inclusion at the heart of London’s social and economic recovery. It is crucial thatall Londoners can influence, shape and participate fully in our capital's recovery from COVID-19. This approach will be far more agile and responsive to dealing with COVID-19 and the immediate needs of Londoners.

London Datastore

Alison Moore: Please can you update the London Datastore with the latest data regarding;
Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) and KSI by Road User Type https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/road-casualties-severity-borough Last updated in 2014
Cycle Flows on the TFL Road Network https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/cycle-flows-tfl-road-network Last updated in 2016
Journey Time Reliability https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/key-performance-indicators-tfl-road-network Last updated in 2018
Serious and Severe Disruption on the Roads https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/key-performance-indicators-tfl-road-network Last updated in 2018

The Mayor: The London Datastore team is currently working with TfL to get the requested datasets updated as soon as possible and will give an update on progress next month.

TfL Cycling Map

Joanne McCartney: Are there any plans to add local and national cycle routes to the TfL Cycling Map?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL’s) digital cycle map shows open and proposed Cycleways. TfL has recently added new Streetspace routes (Park Lane and Hampstead Road) and will continue to update the map as further routes are added (including borough cycle routes funded by TfL). This data is also provided to third parties as open data so that developers can add routes to cycling apps. More detailed information about local cycling infrastructure is available as part of TfL’s Cycling Infrastructure Database, which is also provided as open data. There are no plans at present to add national cycling routes.

Copper Hand Rails in Tube Stations

David Kurten: Given that there is a body of evidence which demonstrates that copper handrails, which are present in metro stations in New York and Santiago in Chile, have anti-microbial properties which can kill bacteria and viruses, will the Mayor consider installing copper handrails in TfL stations?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has already introduced a huge range of measures to help keep passengers safe. This includes an enhanced cleaning regime with the use of an antiviral, antibacterial disinfectant which is effective for up to 30 days and hospital grade antiviral product (Guardicide+) that kills viruses. These products are used across the network, including handrails. Copper handrails have therefore not been considered, as TfL is satisfied that its current procedures are effective.
In addition to these measures, a trial is underway to use ultraviolet (UV) light to clean the handrails on escalators on the Tube network. The device, which could help supplement TfL’s extensive anti-viral cleaning regime, is connected to the escalator handrail and uses its motion to power a UV bulb that breaks down surface contamination to sanitise the handrail. TfL is assessing the benefits of the technology, which could be installed more widely in the future.

Government plans for the future of Councils in London

Andrew Dismore: Has the Government indicated to you whether they are considering the reform or merger of councils in London?

The Mayor: I have had no indication from Government that this is something they are considering.

Future of the GLA

Andrew Dismore: Are you aware of any plans by the Government to abolish the GLA, the Mayoralty and/or the Assembly as press reports suggest?

The Mayor: I am not aware of any plans to abolish the GLA, the Mayoralty and/or the London Assembly, and there is nothing in the Conservative Party manifesto to suggest this is Government policy. As the Prime Minister is a former Mayor of London, I am confident he is committed to devolving more powers to London’s government rather than taking them away.

Access to car-free bridges for LPG taxis

Siân Berry: In your press release on 15 May 2020 you said: "TfL is looking into providing Zero Emission Capable taxis with access to both these bridges, and other areas where traffic is restricted." Could you update us on the progress of this decision? I have also been asked whether the small number of taxis converted to liquid petroleum gas (LPG) would also be able to be included in any potential exemption, so will you also be considering this?

The Mayor: I recognise that taxis are an important mode of transport that provide an accessible, door-to-door service for Londoners and tourists. Transport for London (TfL) is currently considering what volume and type of vehicles could be permitted into the areas of the network prioritised for cycling and walking without impacting on safety or other intended benefits. This will include consideration of accessibility and an Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA), including access using taxis amongst other potential impacts on access.
Engagement with the taxi trade is an important part of this work, particularly when developing the detailed designs and the approach to vehicle access. No decisions on the proposed schemes have yet been made, although TfL anticipates starting to make decisions in the coming weeks.